What if Wind Damaged My Condo in Miami, FL?

When wind damages your condo in Miami, the first steps involve documenting the loss, reviewing both your individual policy and your condo association’s master policy, and starting a condo insurance claim for wind damage as soon as possible. 

Acting quickly helps protect your rights under Florida condo insurance law and reduces the risk of a claim dispute. Many condo owners turn to a Miami condo damage claim attorney when coverage questions, delays, or unexpected denials arise, and The Morgan Law Group serves many policyholders facing these challenges throughout Miami.

Does Condo Insurance Cover Wind Damage in Miami?

While Florida insurers are required to offer windstorm coverage under Fla. Stat. §627.712, policyholders can deny it in writing. 

Wind damage coverage is typically available through two insurance layers: the condo association’s master policy and the unit owner’s personal policy (HO-6). Both policies are influenced by the Florida Condominium Act, windstorm statutes, and the condo association’s governing documents.

Condo Association Insurance

Under §718.111(11), Fla. Stat., condo associations must maintain property insurance that covers the building’s structure and common elements. 

In most cases, this includes:

• Exterior walls
• Roofs and roof coverings
• Elevators and mechanical systems
• Common hallways, stairwells, and shared areas

When wind tears shingles off the roof, shatters exterior windows in common areas, or damages building infrastructure, the master policy typically responds.

However, disputes frequently arise over where the association’s responsibility ends, and the unit owner’s begins. If wind-driven rain enters the building because the roof was compromised, the condo association’s carrier may argue that water intrusion damages inside individual units fall upon the owners. 

For major structural losses, condo associations often must meet hurricane deductible requirements. These deductibles, typically a percentage of the building’s insured value, can impact how and when repairs move forward, especially if the board disagrees with the carrier about the scope of covered damage.

Individual Insurance

Your personal condo insurance policy (HO-6) typically covers:

• Interior walls and drywall
• Flooring
• Cabinets, countertops, and built-ins
• Personal belongings
• Interior fixtures

If wind causes a breach in the building envelope and your flooring, cabinetry, or belongings are damaged by rain intrusion, your personal policy may provide coverage even if the condo association’s insurer denies responsibility.

But HO-6 wind coverage comes with its own considerations:

• Hurricane deductibles apply when a named storm is involved.
• Mitigation requirements may require securing the unit after the storm.
• Policy exclusions may apply if the insurer claims the damage resulted from wear and tear or a maintenance issue rather than wind.

When the master policy and the HO-6 carrier dispute responsibility, claims can stall. Coordination between both insurers is often necessary so repairs can be completed without leaving the owner caught in the middle.

How to File a Condo Insurance Claim for Wind Damage in Miami

Post-storm often leads to high claimant volumes, which increases the likelihood of delays, partial approvals, or low settlement offers. Being proactive during the claims process can influence the outcome of your condo insurance claim for wind damage. 

1. Document All Visible Damage Immediately

Insurers will look for proof that the loss happened during the storm and not before. Prompt documentation helps establish this timeline. 

Take clear photos and videos of:

• Roof or exterior wall breaches are visible from your unit
• Broken windows, damaged doors, or torn balcony screens
• Soaked drywall, stains, warped floors, and swollen cabinetry
• Damaged personal belongings

Keep all receipts for emergency repairs such as tarping or temporary board-ups. Florida insurance law recognizes the importance of mitigation, so completing reasonable prevention steps is crucial.

2. Obtain Independent Estimates

Even when the association is responsible for part of the repairs, you can still obtain your own licensed contractor estimate. This protects you if the insurer’s adjuster undervalues the scope of work needed. Independent evaluations also help clarify whether the loss should fall under the master policy, the owner’s policy, or both.

3. Review Your Governing Documents

Condo declarations and bylaws define responsibilities for:

• Interior surfaces
• Unit boundaries
• Fixtures and improvements
• Damage assessments

These documents influence how insurance obligations are divided. They also dictate how the board must respond to unit owner damage reports after a storm, which is useful if you encounter resistance or inaction.

4. Watch for Claim Handling Red Flags

Wind damage often leads to claim behavior that frustrates policyholders. 

Common issues include:

• Delays beyond Florida’s 90-day requirement for insurers to make a coverage decision
• Attempts to classify wind damage as pre-existing deterioration
• Misapplication of hurricane deductibles
• Disputes between carriers about who should pay
• Understated repair scopes that leave owners with unresolved structural or moisture problems

If you experience any of these, guidance from condo insurance attorneys in Miami may be appropriate, especially if the loss is significant or if there is mold or rot risk due to slow processing.

5. Understand the Impact of Assessments

If the condo association must pay a large deductible or extensive building repairs exceed insurance coverage limits, the board may levy a special assessment against unit owners. While assessments are sometimes unavoidable, they should be reviewed carefully. The Florida Condominium Act provides safeguards, and improperly calculated or unnecessary assessments can be challenged.

Seek a Condo Insurance Attorney in Miami if Disputes Arise

If your condo suffered wind damage, you don’t have to manage the insurance obstacles alone. When policies conflict, repairs stall, or a carrier undervalues the damage, guidance from a seasoned condo insurance claim attorney can help move the process forward. 

Wind losses vary, from blown-out balcony enclosures to water intrusion that spreads across multiple floors. Whether the wind damage involves your individual unit, the building structure, or both, the key is ensuring each insurer covers its proper share. 

Condo insurance claim disputes are common, and careful policy interpretation is often necessary to secure full compensation. As an insurance claim law firm in Miami, The Morgan Law Group’s role is to challenge delays, overcome denials, or ensure that the insurance settlement properly reflects the full extent of your losses after wind damage.

If your condo damage claim is stuck, undervalued, or mishandled, call us at (305) 614-5235 or contact us using our online form for a free consultation about your condo insurance claim at our office in Miami.